Legendary Gazi, Kalu and Champaboti

A few miles off Jhenidah, at Barobazar, lies the ‘dargha’ (shrine) of legendary Gazi, Kalu and Champaboti, who according to popular myth, lived in the region about 700 years ago.

Each year in the Bangali month of Falgun, devotees gather at the ‘dargha’ to pay homage to the legends and to receive their blessings. The venue takes on a festive look.

Thousand of ardent devotees thronged here last Thursday night. Some brought ‘batasha’ (a kind of sweet) and candles as offerings. Food is provided to all, whether poor or rich. Throughout the night, in candlelight, devotees pray, keeping the three legends in mind.

Devotees believe that Gazi and Kalu had miraculous powers. Gazi was the son of Sultan Shah Sikandar Ali and Azufa Shundari. Gazi’s mother was the daughter of king Bali (a Hindu royal). Kalu was Gazi’s adopted brother.

Sultan Sikander Shah offered his throne to Gazi but the latter refused, claiming that he had to lead the life of an ascetic. The Sultan was enraged.

Gazi’s conviction was put to the test. An elephant tried to trample him; he was attacked with a sword, thrown in the fire and more. But Gazi survived. He left the country accompanied by his brother Kalu. He reached Sundarbans and stayed there for seven years.

Here fairies and tigers became his disciples. From this belief, locals of the Sundarbans still recall Gazi when overcome by the fear of tigers.

Gazi fell in love with the beautiful Champaboti, daughter of King Mukut Roy of Brahmannagar. On learning of this, the king was furious and waged a war against Gazi. Tigers and crocodiles fought on both sides and eventually Gazi won the fight. Mukut Roy surrendered and agreed to the marriage of Champaboti and Gazi.

Gazi remains a “Zinda Pir” (immortal spiritual leader) to his followers and thus the myth lives on.

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